Healthmate Review

What we think about the Austin’s Healthmate Air Purifier

If Austin Air Healthmate Plus is like a sports car with a very powerful turbo engine,  this Healthmate is the same sports car, but without the turbo.

And like a racing car, it is meant to deliver performance, not comfort.

So, while the filter is good, it does not have all must-have features of modern air cleaners – things like automatic speed adjustment, digital display, filter replacement alert or a timer.

What does it do ?

This Healthmate is a simpler version of the Healthmate Plus. So, while the Plus version adds Potassium Iodide on the filter, this one doesn’t and is $100 cheaper.

But apart from that, they two look, weigh and have the same (limited) features.

The filters: The first stage filters things you can see like hair, dust and dander. The second stage filters unseen particles like molds, spores and pollens.  The last 2 stages use the activated carbon (impregnated with Zeolite) and Hepa filter to take care of gases and smokes as well as bacteria and viruses.

360 degrees air intake: Like other Austin Air machines, this purifier sucks air from all direction.

Steel Construction: Austin Healthmate Plus is encased in steel and the surface is scratch resistant.

Money Back Guarantee & Warranty: The machine comes with 5 years warranty on parts and filter. Austin corporate website also says that it comes with 30 days money back guarantee.

Long Filter Life: While most air purifiers need a fresh filter every 6-12 months, Austin says this one only needs to be replaced every 5 years.

Our Concern :

• The weight: At 45 Ibs, it is heavy.
• Power Consumption: With 135 Watt, you’ll pay more for your electricity bills compared to other air purifiers in it’s class.
• The sound level: As there are only 3 speeds available, you’ll notice that the sound will vary considerably from one level to another. The lowest setting is quiet though.
  
• No digital display: We don’t know why, but Austin Air seems to like analog controls.
  
• And no digital features: Without digital function means there are no remote control, timer or filter replacement alert. You need to remind yourself to change your filter ( every 5 years ).
• Filter stays too long: For things meant to trap dust and other airborne particles, we think 5 years is just too long (if you use it daily). We suggest you vacuum the filter regularly and replace it earlier than the suggested 5 years.

Our Verdict :

The price and the powerful filter makes this machine quite attractive to us. Unfortunately, as newer air purifiers entering the market are equipped with many automatic features, the Healthmate feels and looks so outdated.

If you like dials and hate all things digital try this one. But please replace your filter earlier than suggested by Austin Air.

Healthmate+ Review

Austin Air Healthmate Plus is like a car with a very powerful engine. Unfortunately, it lacks many convenient features you’d expect when you buy a machine at this price.

The company takes a great care to add potassium iodide into it’s carbon/zeolite filter to control gases and smoke.

It also has 60 feet of true HEPA filter, which is one of the largest filtration area in a home air purifier.

But while the core is good, we have a few issues with this machines.

What does it do ?

Austin works hard at making sure the filter of this air purifer is effective. Thus, it comes with 4 stages of filtration.

The filters: The first stage filters things you can see like hair, dust and dander. The second stage filters unseen particles like molds, spores and pollens. The last 2 will take care of gases and smokes as well as bacteria and viruses.

360 degrees air intake: We love the fact that while most air purifiers only pull the air from the front or the side, this machine sucks air from all direction.

Steel Construction: Austin Healthmate Plus is encased in steel and the surface is scratch resistant.

Money Back Guarantee & Warranty: The machine comes with 5 years warranty on parts and filter. Austin corporate website also says “If the HealthMate+™ doesn’t change your life and improve your sleep, return it for a refund within 30 days.”

Long Filter Life:While most air purifiers need a fresh filter every 6-12 months, Austin says this one only needs to be replaced every 5 years.

Our Concern :

• The weight: It’s just too heavy. Not suitable to be lifted up and down the stair.
• The sound level: As there are only 3 speeds available, you’ll notice that the sound will vary considerably from one level to another.
  
• Lack digital display: Many air cleaners at this price have easy to read digital control.
• Power Consumption: At 135 Watt, you’ll pay more for your electricity bills compared to other air purifiers in it’s class.
• Lack various digital features: Without digital function means there are no remote control, timer or filter replacement alert. Use your calender to remind you to change your filter ( every 5 years ).
• No UV lights: Healthmate+ doesn’t come with UV lights – an accessory many air purifier companies use to kill the micro-organisms.
• Filter stays too long: For things meant to trap dust and other airborne particles, we think 5 years is just too long (if you use it daily). Unless you vacuum the filter regularly, the motor will also be forced to work harder to suck air from the clogged filter. We’re not sure how long a motor can lasts under this condition.

Our Verdict :

At this price we expects many more from Austin than just a powerful filters. Of course, they are effective but we wonder why the company seems reluctant to use newer design or technologies (like  digital controls or UV lamp to kill bacteria ) in this machine.

If you love all things old-school, this one maybe for you. But please replace your filter earlier than suggested by Austin Air.

And if you like the machine but prefer something smaller, try look at the mini version of this air cleaner – the Austin Air Healthmate Plus junior.